Tasmanians set to tap into sustainable water refill stations

Tasmanians set to tap into sustainable water refill stations

TasWater is making a splash in time for summer with the launch of its new water bottle refill stations, designed to deliver high-quality tap water in public spaces around the state.

In partnership with the JackJumpers, the initiative is championing the use of tap water to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and mitigate their environmental and economic impacts.

One of the first refill stations was unveiled today at the Montrose Foreshore Community Park by TasWater General Manager Customer and Community Matt Balfe alongside Glenorchy City Council Mayor Sue Hickey and JackJumpers mascot, Jack the Jumper.

“Tasmanians spend an estimated $15.7 million on bottled water each year, and on average, each person sends 130kgs of single-use plastic to landfill,” Mr Balfe said.

“Over the next three months, TasWater is delivering 30 new water refill stations around Tasmania, partnering with local councils to provide easy access to free, high-quality drinking water in busy parks and town centres.

“By making it easier for Tasmanians to ‘Be a Refiller, not a Landfiller’, we hope to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our waterways and landfills.”

Glenorchy City Council Mayor Sue Hickey welcomed the initiative, emphasising its positive environmental impact.

“By reducing Tasmania’s reliance on single-use plastics, we hope to prevent as much plastic as possible from entering the environment while providing a valuable community service,” Mayor Hickey said.

“Glenorchy City Council has some of the most beautiful green spaces in the state and by reducing single-use plastic, we are also helping to reduce litter in these public areas.”

The first northern Tasmanian refill station was unveiled today at Churchill Park by Launceston City Council Mayor Matthew Garwood.

Mayor Garwood said the Council was proud to help reduce reliance on single-use plastics and protect the environment while providing a convenient community service.

“These refill stations are a fantastic addition to our municipality, encouraging people to stay hydrated while making sustainable choices, especially as the warmer months approach," he said.

“The City of Launceston is proud to support this win-win initiative that reduces plastic waste and provides fresh, clean water for locals and visitors."

Mr Balfe said plastics were among the most common forms of debris found in waterways, and research suggested that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean.

“We’re asking all Tasmanians, why drink single-use bottled water when some of Australia’s highest quality and best tasting water is available on tap,” he said.

“We encourage all Tasmanians to not leave home without their sustainable, refillable water bottle and to help us reduce our dependence on single-use plastic.”

For refill station locations, visit Be a refiller, not a landfiller | Your Say

TasWater is investing $1.9 billion in its network over the next five years to ensure it can continue to deliver exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania.